A Cook Islander known as the ‘guy with the golden voice’ was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the recent Pacific Music Awards for his contributions to the music industry, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many.

Rarotonga-born Toni Williams, also known as Antoni Williams, had an impeccable professional reputation and a successful music career lasting over 50 years.

Toni, who passed away in October 2016, aged 77, was accorded the 2023 Manukau Institute of Technology Te PukenaLifetime Achievement Award at the Due Drop Events Centre (formerly named the Vodafone Events Centre) in Manukau, New Zealand.

His wife, Helen Williams, and their daughters, Tamara and Justine, accepted the award.

Helen contacted Cook Islands News to share Toni’s musical journey and his love for his home country, the Cook Islands.

Toni was born in the Avarua district of Rarotonga in 1939. He was the son of a doctor, who was employed by the New Zealand government – with his childhood was spent between Rarotonga and the outer Cook Islands.

For his schooling, at age 11, he immigrated to Auckland, New Zealand. At a young age, he got injured playing football, and needed 13 months to recover, which included time at the Wilson Home for Crippled Children.

During his recovery, he dedicated time to his music – learning the guitar and developing his vocal skills.

When he returned to school, he formed one of Auckland’s first skiffle groups, The Housewarmers, with a few friends from the Ponsonby/Freemans Bay area.

In 1958 the band evolved into the rock and roll group, The Tremellos – with Toni being the lead singer and guitarist – and the band became a regular attraction at the Gandhi Hall.

“There were a few inner-city clubs where from 8pm till 4am, dancers would go between – the Jive Centre on Hobson Street, the Maori Community Centre beside Victoria Park and the Gandhi Hall, on Victoria Street West. Harry M Miller, saw The Tremellos play and recruited them to play support for the Howard Morrison Quartet.”

Toni then got them recording for his record label, La Gloria.

The Tremellos were the backing band for the Showtime Spectacular which toured for 21 weeks; and they were also the support act for international artists such as the Everly Brothers, Jimmie Rodgers, Johnny Ray and Connie Francis.

Toni’s solo recording debut was also with La Gloria, in 1960, with the first of over 30 singles recorded with the label, being ‘Cradle of Love’ b/w ‘Brush Those Tears From Your Eyes’, ‘Endlessly’. And his further stand outs were the Conway Twitty hit ‘Is a Bluebird Blue’, Roy Orbison’s ‘Running Scared’ and

‘Only the Lonely’ and Sam Cooke’s ‘Twistin the Night Away’.

“The La Gloria approach to recording was gruelling – everything was done in one take. Whether there was an orchestra or a band any mistakes, meant that everyone had to start over and do the whole thing again. During an era where emulating overseas hits was commonplace, Toni Williams stood out as more than just a covers artist and was given plenty of work and support.”

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Toni’s solo career flourished. He was known as the “guy with the golden voice” and his live performances became legendary, leaving a lasting impact on the music scene.

His 1972 single ‘Tellabout’ featured on the album Studio One Hits, and was an APRA Silver Scroll nominated song – and once again showcased his ability to create memorable and timeless tracks.

He would spend 10 years working the cabaret club circuit in Sydney, returning to New Zealand in 1976. He would show his extensive live performance skills on the live album ‘The Late Show’ recorded live at Auckland’s Logan Park nightclub in 1968 – which showcased the best in lounge pop and big ballads. Toni extended his performance repertoire with the high-profile production of Porgy and Bess, with Inia Te Wiata and George Henare also in the cast.

The two biggest hits of his career were released in 1977. The first was ‘Rose (Can I Share A Bed With You) written and produced by Peter Posa, spending four months in the NZ charts, peaking at number 11.

The follow up song was ‘The One I Sing My Love Songs To’, which secured a spot at number nine on the NZ charts. Both songs became local classics, further solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the New Zealand music landscape.

His career lasted over 50 years and he had an impeccable professional reputation. Gerry Merito from the Howard Morrison Quartet nicknamed him “Mr Reliable”.

From 1979, Toni would take the place of Wi Wharekura for occasional reunions of the Howard Morrison Quartet. Toni would be a regular for anniversary and special tribute performances in his later years.

In 2010, Toni was honoured within the Queen’s Birthday Honours – and was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to entertainment.

Helen says as a family they proudly celebrate Toni’s life and music at any opportunity.

“We are so grateful to the Pacific Music Awards Trust for sharing with others, through this special award, recognition and honour of Toni’s Pacific heritage and lifetime of musical achievements. 

“We are so fortunate that his music records live on and as a family we enjoy listening to them and watching his many television videos we are fortunate to have. Both his daughters Tamara and Justine are very musical and have been lead singers in several bands and two of his grandsons, Caelin and Taylor are currently lead guitarist and bass guitarist in Christchurch bands.”

Although Toni lived most of his life in New Zealand, he never for a moment forgot his Cook Islands roots, shares Helen.

“He was a very proud Kuki and every year he would return for holidays to catch up with family, return to the homestead in Parekura where he spent his early days and to enjoy the relaxed lifestyle Rarotonga offers.

“We were in Rarotonga in September 2016 and Toni was successful in receiving a piece of family land in Tupapa. On returning back to New Zealand he immediately drew up a plan for a holiday home. However time was not on his side and he sadly passed away a month later.”

In his memory his wife Helen and daughters Tamara and Justine decided to continue with his wish and so in 2019 the land was cleared and building began. “The house is exactly the plan Toni designed and is a memorial to him.

In recognition of Toni and his dream, the property is aptly named Tones Kainga.”

• Additional reporting by the Pacific Music Awards